After another dismal one-and-done playoff outing for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season, it appears to be a ritual at this point. Get 9-10 wins each year under Mike Tomlin just to sometimes make the playoffs. Those trips to the postseason have ended in blowout losses since their last victory in 2017. Something that led to the long-time coach and team parting ways. The hiring of Mike McCarthy only makes it more likely that these trends will continue.
The Steelers’ future outlook looks bleak, but the 2026 NFL draft offers hope.
Although many anticipate Pittsburgh targeting a quarterback early, this mock draft indicates that the team could be forced to delay that move until 2027. In the meantime, multiple roster needs require attention. If the Steelers decide to kick the proverbial quarterback draft down the road for another year, it might be in their best interest to just take the best class possible.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 mock draft fails to locate a long-term answer to the quarterback position
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Pittsburgh must target a receiver early in the upcoming draft, and they might need to double-dip at the position. KC Concepcion is a difference maker at the position and played at a high level in the SEC. DK Metcalf showed signs of brilliance and frustration during his first season with the Steelers. Taking Concepcion adds an elusive weapon on offense who is also an explosive punt returner.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 2: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
Pittsburgh loves NFL bloodlines, and there are fewer prospects with better in that regard than Josiah Trotter.
He is the brother of Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and the son of former NFL linebacker Jeremiah Trotter. While the linebacker position might not be a pressing need for now, the Steelers should consider cutting Patrick Queen after another bumpy season. Trotter had a terrific college career and could be the missing piece in the middle of an aging defense that needs youth.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3 (Via Dallas): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Another potential cap casualty this offseason is Jalen Ramsey, who transitioned to safety. The Steelers could heavily retool their secondary this offseason, and taking Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at this point in the mock draft is fantastic value. He has the perfect size for the position and could rise up draft boards. The team loves their MAC guys, and McNeil-Warren is a perfect fit.
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Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
The Steelers need to decide how to work with Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, and Jonnu Smith before the NFL Draft.
It seems like that group could look totally different next season, and that is why Eli Stowers gets picked here. He is an elite pass catcher entering the professional ranks. The tight end must work on his blocking, but Stowers should make an immediate impact in the passing game.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3 (Comp Pick): D'Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
He is a tiny cornerback, which forced him to slip in this mock draft, but D'Angelo Ponds is an intriguing player. The defensive back has been great throughout his college career, first at James Madison and then the past two seasons at Indiana. Pittsburgh will witness some impactful players from this past campaign hit free agency, which means they must invest resources into replenishing that group.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: DJ Campbell, OG, Texas
With starting left guard Isaac Seumalo scheduled to become a free agent, the Steelers will likely try to replace him in the draft. DJ Campbell remained available here, and that's where Pittsburgh goes with their selection. The main issue is that Campbell is a starting right guard, where Mason McCormick lines up. McCormick’s experience playing on the left side in college could provide a solution.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4 (Comp Pick): Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama
Cam Heyward played well this season, but he isn't getting any younger.
The Steelers would be wise to invest routinely in the trenches on both sides of the ball. They take Tim Keenan III out of Alabama as someone who has a wealth of experience in the tough SEC. He is a great member of the community and would be a nice addition to the locker room. Keenan would also help push the bottom of the roster guys at training camp.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5: Trey Zuhn III, OL, Texas A&M
Pittsburgh goes with another Texas A&M product after kicking off this mock draft with Concepcion. Trey Zuhn III is the pick here, and he can play anywhere across the offensive line. He has started games at center and left tackle during his time as an Aggie. The Steelers would plan to use him as a swing tackle, but he can play anywhere. Zuhn could become a jack-of-all-trades in the trenches.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6: Dean Connors, RB, Houston
With the probable departure of Kenneth Gainwell in free agency, they need help at the running back position. Dean Connors is an intriguing back late in the mock draft who makes sense. He presents nearly the perfect size of what the Steelers look for, and he has shown a better all-around game. Connors continued to improve his production while at Houston and should boost the roster.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6 (Comp Pick): Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor
Mentioned earlier in the mock draft, but Pittsburgh should consider adding multiple pieces to its receiving group. Josh Cameron makes sense in the sixth round as a solid-sized prospect who has continued to produce strong numbers over the past two seasons. His role has continued to grow in the past two years at Baylor, which has seen him create a potential NFL career for himself.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Eric McNeill, EDGE, Rutgers
It was a strength of the team this season at the outside linebacker position, and they will want to keep that going, especially if T.J. Watt is slowing down. Eric O'Neill has a good frame to work with and is someone who could push for a job on special teams. He has rushed the passer well during his time at Rutgers, but O'Neill must find a lane to finish plays at the next level, which could hinder him.